The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Dezhou City Foreign Affairs Office held a joint investment promotion event on March 11, 2026 to deepen economic cooperation and honor a historical connection spanning 6 centuries.
The “China (Dezhou)-Philippines Investment and Trade Promotion Event” took place at the Federation Building in Manila. The gathering focused on expanding bilateral trade while commemorating the legacy of the Sulu king, who died in Dezhou during a diplomatic mission to China in the 15th century.
FFCCCII president Victor Lim highlighted these historical ties during the ceremony, noting that the Sulu king fell ill in Dezhou while returning from Beijing 600 years ago. Ming Dynasty Emperor Chengzu arranged a grand funeral and a tomb for the king in northern Dezhou.
The king’s descendants and entourage eventually settled near the cemetery and adopted Chinese surnames such as Wen and An. Lim described the tomb as a lasting symbol of friendship that Filipino officials and citizens have continued to honor for 600 years.
Dezhou City Foreign Affairs Office director Zhang Fangduan invited Filipino Chinese entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in the city, which she described as a strategic gateway linking Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province.
“Zhang extended a sincere invitation to Filipino Chinese entrepreneurs to visit Dezhou, explore business opportunities, and invest in the city, and encouraged them to visit the Sulu king’s tomb, a testament to the enduring ties between China and the Philippines,” the office said.
During the event, FFCCCII vice president Anthony Chan introduced the organization’s key projects. About 17 companies from Dezhou also presented investment opportunities to the attendees.
The event concluded with the unveiling of a new Philippine office for the Shandong Grad Group. The ceremony was led by Lim, Fangduan and Shandong Grad Group general manager Wang Zhijun.
